Adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus

ABSTRACT

An adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus and a method of using the adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of panels. The panels are adhered together to form an interior compartment. The apparatus further includes a plurality of shoulder straps configured to be adjustable through the use of a fastener. The apparatus further includes a strap compartment. The apparatus further includes a plurality of handles. The interior compartment includes a plurality of pouches configured to secure one or more deformable exercise articles having a pliable exterior and capable of being reversibly filled with a particulate material or water.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/811,269 filed on Apr. 12, 2013, having the same title, and having the same inventors, and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of weight training and physical conditioning. Specifically, the disclosure relates to a weighted, adjustable, and multifunctional fitness apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Outdoor fitness training activities, such as boot camps, are a popular way to exercise. These activities may involve a variety of fitness equipment such as weights, fitness bands, and fitness ropes. Many exercises require an anchor point. Other exercises require a weighted device for lifting, pulling, carrying, or other forms of movement.

SUMMARY

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of panels adhered together to form an interior compartment. The apparatus further includes a plurality of shoulder straps configured to be adjustable through the use of a fastener. The apparatus further includes a strap compartment. The apparatus further includes a plurality of handles. The interior compartment includes a plurality of pouches configured to secure one or more deformable exercise articles having a pliable exterior and capable of being reversibly filled with a particulate material or water.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a method of using an adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus is disclosed. The method includes inserting one or more deformable exercise articles into an adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus. The one or more deformable exercise articles have a pliable exterior and are filled with a particulate material or water. The method further includes securing the one or more of the deformable exercise articles in an interior compartment of the adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus. The method further includes attaching one or more exercise devices to an exterior portion of the adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus. The method further includes performing an exercise using the one or more exercise devices, wherein the adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus provides resistance to a force imposed by the one or more exercise devices.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of panels adhered together to form an interior compartment. The apparatus further includes a plurality of shoulder straps configured to be adjustable through the use of a fastener. The apparatus further includes a strap compartment. The apparatus further includes a plurality of handles. The apparatus further includes one or more deformable exercise articles having a pliable exterior and capable of being reversibly filled with a particulate material or water. The interior compartment includes a plurality of pouches configured to secure a plurality of deformable exercise articles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an isometric view of the posterior and anterior sides of an adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the posterior side of an adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus when the shoulder straps have been stowed, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cut-away view of the anterior side of an adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a cut-away view of the anterior side of an adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus featuring pouches, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the anterior side of one embodiment of an adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Given the popularity of outdoor boot camp fitness training, the need for effective physical fitness training equipment for law enforcement and the military, and the rapidly growing participation in outdoor obstacle and adventure races, there exists a need for weight training and transport equipment that is easily transportable, adjustable, and functional. The present disclosure relates generally to an adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus. The apparatus may include panels joined to form an interior compartment. The apparatus may have adjustable shoulder straps. The shoulder straps may be detachable and may be stored in a strap compartment. The apparatus may have one or more handles and may have one or more interior pouches for holding exercise articles. Exercise articles and other cargo such as exercise equipment (e.g., straps, rubber bands, and heavy ropes) may be added to the interior compartment to allow the apparatus to be used in exercise activities. The apparatus may be configured to store, transport, and utilize strength or fitness training equipment as well as being a weight-training tool itself or being an anchor and attachment point for other fitness devices. The weight of the apparatus may be adjustable for variable resistance by adding exercise articles to, or removing them from, the interior compartment. The exercise articles, when removed, may be used as a separate device for fitness training

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an isometric view of the posterior and anterior sides of adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus 100, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Apparatus 100 may be constructed of a back panel 102, a front panel 104 and one or more side panels 106 adhered together to form an interior compartment. In some embodiments, apparatus 100 may be constructed of more or fewer panels. For example, in some embodiments, apparatus 100 may be constructed of two panels adhered together to form an interior compartment. In other embodiments, apparatus 100 may be constructed on a single panel where the sides of the single panel are adhered together to form an interior compartment.

Back panel 102, front panel 104, and one or more side panels 106 may be adhered together by sewing, gluing, fusing under heat or pressure, or by any other suitable method. In some embodiments, back panel 102, front panel 104, and one or more side panels 106 may be adhered together by joining an edge of one panel to an edge of another panel forming one or more seams (e.g., by stitching along the seam). The seam may be constructed such that it faces inward or outward from the interior of apparatus 100.

Back panel 102, front panel 104, and side panels 106 may be constructed of various types of fabrics having sufficient durability to be used in exercise activities, such as nylon or canvas. In some embodiments, various materials may be incorporated into back panel 102, front panel 104, and/or side panels 106 to impart anti-soiling, anti-microbial, anti-staining, or decorative properties, or to render apparatus 100 moisture proof, waterproof, moisture resistant, or water resistant.

In some embodiments, apparatus 100 may be reinforced. For example, portions of back panel 102, front panel 104, and/or side panels 106 may be reinforced with additional layers of materials having sufficient strength to reinforce a seam or an edge of apparatus 100 during exercise, such as a durable fabric, nylon webbing, or plastic. The reinforcement material may be the same or may be a different material as the portion of back panel 102, front panel 104, or side panels 106. By way of example and not limitation, side panels 106 may have nylon webbing adhered around all or a portion of the perimeter of side panels 106.

Apparatus 100 may be constructed in various dimensions to change the dimensions of interior compartment 108 (shown in FIG. 3). For example, apparatus 100 may be twenty-four inches in height, fifteen inches in width, and six inches in depth. Changing the dimensions of interior compartment 108 may change the volume of cargo that may be carried in interior compartment 108 and therefore may change the weight of apparatus 100. The dimensions of apparatus 100 may depend on the dimensions of back panel 102, front panel 104, and side panels 106. In some embodiments, the dimensions of apparatus 100 may be determined based, in part, on the desired application of apparatus 100 or the size of the user of apparatus 100. Apparatus 100 may be used to carry various pieces of exercise equipment in interior compartment 108. Interior compartment 108 may be fully lined, partially lined or unlined. In some embodiments, interior compartment 108 may be lined with various types of fabrics such as nylon, canvas, or any other suitable material.

Apparatus 100 may further include handles 110, shoulder straps 112, and a strap compartment 116. Handles 110 may be used to provide an attachment point for another piece of exercise equipment or allow a user to hold or lift apparatus 100 to perform an exercise. Handles 110 a-110 f, collectively referred to as handles 110, may be attached parallel to the sides of the main compartment at the top (handle 110 a), bottom (handle 110 b), and/or side (handles 110 c-110 f). Handles 110 may be arranged in any orientation. For example, in FIGS. 1A and 1B, handles 110 c and 110 d are shown as parallel to the bottom of apparatus 100 and handles 110 e and 110 f are show as perpendicular to the bottom of apparatus 100. In some embodiments, handles 110 may be permanently connected to apparatus 100 by sewing, gluing, fusing under heat or pressure, or by any other suitable method. In other embodiments, handles 110 may be temporarily connected to apparatus 100 and may be detachable to allow for temporary changes to the orientation and placement of handles 110. Altering the orientation and placement of handles 110 may increase the function of apparatus 100 for exercise. Handles 110 may be temporarily attached to apparatus 100 with VELCRO®, snaps, buttons, zippers, buckles, or any other temporary fastening method. In some embodiments, handles 110 may be attached to a reinforced portion of side panel 106. Handles 110 may be constructed of nylon webbing, fabric, metal, rubber, similar material, or combinations thereof. For example, handles 110 may be constructed of a material having sufficient strength to support the weight of apparatus 100 and any cargo loaded in or attached to apparatus 100. While apparatus 100 is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B as having six handles 110, apparatus 100 may have more or fewer handles 110.

Apparatus 100 may include shoulder straps 112 a and 112 b, collectively referred to as shoulder straps 112. Shoulder straps 112 may allow apparatus 100 to be worn on the back of a user. Shoulder straps 112 may be attached to the exterior of apparatus 100. Shoulder straps 112 may be constructed of various fabrics having sufficient strength to support the weight of apparatus 100 when worn on the back of a user, such as nylon or canvas. In some embodiments, shoulder straps 112 may be padded to be more comfortable when apparatus 100 is worn by a user. Shoulder straps 112 may be adhered to back panel 102 at different orientations to provide a better fit and more comfort when apparatus 100 is worn by a user. For example, in FIG. 1A, shoulder strap 112 a is shown as being adhered to back panel 102 at a different orientation than shoulder strap 112 b. As shown, shoulder strap 112 a may be configured to better fit a right shoulder and shoulder strap 112 b may be configured to better fit a left shoulder.

Shoulder straps 112 may include fasteners 114. Fasteners 114 may be affixed to the exterior of apparatus 100 to allow for adjustment of the length of shoulder straps 112 and may allow shoulder strap 112 to be completely or partially detached for storage, as shown in and discussed in more detail with respect to FIG. 2. Fasteners 114 may be any suitable fastener that may allow a strap to be adjusted and removed, such as a ladderlock fastener or a buckle. Fasteners 114 may be affixed to apparatus 100 at any location along the length of shoulder strap 112. For example, in one embodiment, fasteners 114 may be affixed to apparatus 100 at the bottom of back panel 102 to reduce the length of material remaining exposed after one or more shoulder straps 112 have been detached and stowed.

Apparatus 100 may further include strap compartment 116. Shoulder straps 112 may be inserted and stowed in strap compartment 116 after shoulder straps are detached from fasteners 114, as shown in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, strap compartment 116 may be added to back panel 102. Strap compartment 116 may be configured to be closed, such as with VELCRO®, a zipper, a snap, a button, a buckle, or any other suitable method. Strap compartment 116 may be constructed of various types of fabrics such as nylon or canvas.

In some embodiments, apparatus 100 may include a partially or completely detachable waist or hip belt (not expressly shown) to secure apparatus 100 during exercise. The waist or hip belt may serve to support a portion of the weight of apparatus 100 when apparatus 100 is worn on the back of a person during use. In some embodiments, the waist or hip belt may be attached to apparatus 100 near the bottom of back panel 102. The waist or hip belt may be made of any suitable material having sufficient strength to support the weight of apparatus 100, such as nylon or canvas. In some embodiments, the waist or hip belt may be padded to provide additional user comfort and may be adjustable to accommodate users of various sizes.

When loaded, apparatus 100 may be used as a weight carried on the back of a user for endurance training Apparatus 100 may also be placed on the ground and used as an anchor point for other training devices such as a SANDROPE™, bands and straps. For example, apparatus 100 may be an anchor point for a SANDROPE™ by attaching the SANDROPE™ to apparatus 100. A SANDROPE™ is a weighted fitness device with a generally tubular body and is enclosed at each end with an end closure. The SANDROPE™ includes an inlet to allow the SANDROPE™ to be reversibly filled with particulate material or water to adjust the weight of the SANDROPE™. The SANDROPE™ may also include attachment members to allow the SANDROPE™ to be anchored or connected to apparatus 100.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the posterior side of adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus 100 when shoulder straps 112 have been stowed, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, shoulder straps 112 have been disconnected from fasteners 114, leaving top portions 112 a and 112 b and corresponding bottom portions 112 c and 112 d. In some embodiments, fasteners 114 may be located near the bottom of back panel 102 near where back panel 102 is adhered to one or more side panels 106 thus minimizing the length of bottom portions 112 c and 112 d. Top portions 112 a and 112 b may be stowed in strap compartment 116. Stowing top portions 112 a and 112 b may prevent damage to top portions 112 a and 112 b during exercise activities and may keep top portions 112 a and 112 b from interfering with a user's movement during certain exercise activities.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cut-away view of the anterior side of adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus 100, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In FIG. 3, front panel 104 is shown as cut away. In some embodiments, interior compartment 108 may be configured to allow for the insertion and removal of exercise articles 118. Exercise articles 118 may be bags filled with particulate material or water. In some embodiments, exercise articles 118 may be used independently of apparatus 100 for exercise. Exercise articles 118 may be of any suitable shape such as round, oval, or rectangular. Exercise articles 118 may be of any suitable size or weight. In some embodiments, exercise articles 118 may be made of a pliable material, such as neoprene, and be generally deformable. By way of example and not limitation, exercise articles 118 may be a SANDBELL® apparatus. A SANDBELL® is a generally circular weighted exercise article with a body constructed of two panels of material stitched together, using a generally nonlinear pattern of stitching, along the periphery of the body. The SANDBELL® includes a collapsible inlet to allow the SANDBELL® to be reversibly filled with particulate material to adjust the weight of the SANDBELL®. In some embodiments, apparatus 100 may be sold as a set with one or more exercise articles 118.

The addition or subtraction of exercise articles 118 may allow for apparatus 100 to be used in fitness exercises that may require varying weights. The weight of apparatus 100 may be changed nearly instantaneously by removing or adding exercise articles 118 to interior compartment 108.

Apparatus 100 may have a reinforcement board 126 affixed permanently or temporarily in interior compartment 108 against the interior of back panel 102. Reinforcement board 126 may be affixed by gluing, use of VELCRO®, or any other suitable mechanism. In some embodiments, reinforcement board 126 may not be affixed to the interior of back panel 102 and may be placed in interior compartment 108 without any permanent or temporary affixing mechanism. Reinforcement board 126 may be made of a hard and flexible material, such as plastic. In some embodiments, reinforcement board 126 may be thin, for example, it may be approximately three to five millimeters thick. Reinforcement board 126 may provide stability and/or protection for the back of a user when the user is using apparatus 100 as a backpack.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cut-away view of the anterior side of adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus 400 featuring pouches 128, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In FIG. 4, front panel 104 is shown as cut away. Interior compartment 108 may also include pouches 128. Pouches 128 may be located in any location in interior compartment 108. In one embodiment, interior compartment 108 may have one or more pouches 128 adhered to the interior of back panel 102. Pouch 128 may be open on one or more sides or may have a closing mechanism such an elastic lacing, a zipper, a button, a snap, VELCRO®, a buckle, or any other suitable mechanism. In another embodiment, interior compartment 108 may have one or more pouches 128 adhered to the interior of one or more side panel 106 and/or the interior of front panel 104. In some embodiments interior compartment 108 may be configured to hold a removable water bladder with a flexible drinking tube 130 which may provide convenient hydration for a user from apparatus 400 during exercise. Removable water bladder 130 may also serve to increase or reduce the weight of apparatus 400. In such an embodiment, apparatus 400 may hold removable water bladder 130 in pouch 128 and may include a feature to allow a flexible drinking tube to extend from removable water bladder 130 to the exterior of apparatus 400 for convenient user access. In some embodiments, removable water bladder 130 may be inserted in strap compartment 116 when shoulder straps 112 are not stowed. The top of removable water bladder 130 may be attached to apparatus 400 by a hook and loop, VELCRO®, or other similar device which may be located near the top of back panel 102. Interior compartment 108 may include interior dividers (not expressly shown) in interior compartment 108 to create compartments to keep the cargo in place during movement. Pouches 128 and the interior dividers may be constructed of fabric or any other suitable material that is capable of supporting the weight of exercise articles 118 and other cargo, such as canvas or nylon.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the anterior side of one embodiment of adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus 100, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, apparatus 100 may include one or more cinch straps 120 configured to restrain the movement of the contents of interior compartment 108. In some embodiments, interior compartment 108 may not be filled to capacity with exercise articles 118 or other cargo. Cinch straps 120 may be tightened to compress front panel 104 and therefore reduce the effective volume of interior compartment 108. The reduction in the effective volume of interior compartment 108 may prevent the contents of interior compartment 108 from moving during exercise or while a user is wearing or carrying apparatus 100. Cinch straps 120 may be made of any material capable of tightening front panel 104, such as nylon webbing or elastic cording. In some embodiments, cinch straps 120 may have an adjustable fastener to enable the cinching movement, such as a buckle or a ladderlock fastener.

Apparatus 100 may include one or more temporary closure mechanisms 122 which may open and close to allow access to interior compartment 108. Temporary closure mechanism 122 may be a zipper, VELCRO®, a button, a snap, a buckle, or any other suitable mechanism. Temporary closure mechanism 122 may be located near a seam where back panel 102 may be adhered to one or more side panels 106, near a seam where front panel 104 may be adhered to one or more side panels 106, or at any location on back panel 102, front panel 104, and/or side panels 106. For example, in FIG. 5, temporary closure mechanism is located along the edges of front panel 104.

Apparatus 100 may further include one or more attachment members 124 configured to transport other fitness equipment, clothing, drinks, food, or other items. Attachment members 124 may be affixed at any location on the exterior or interior of apparatus 100. Attachment members 124 may be strips of a suitable material to which an item may be hooked or looped. Attachment members 124 may also be individual loops to which an item may be hooked or fastened. In some embodiments, attachment members 124 may also include a “D” ring, a grommet, or any other suitable device attached to apparatus 100 to allow for items to be attached to apparatus 100. Attachment members 124 may be affixed to apparatus 100 by sewing, gluing, fusing under heat or pressure, or by any other suitable method. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, attachment members 124 may be a series of strips of material having sufficient strength to support the weight of attached items, such as nylon webbing. Attachment members 124 may be arranged in any pattern and may vary in size and shape. The size and shape may depend, in part, on the intended use of attachment member 124. Attachment members 124 may allow apparatus 100, when heavy, to be used as an anchor for certain types of fitness equipment such as a SANDROPE®, bands, ropes, or straps by attaching the fitness equipment to attachment member 124. Attachment members 124 may facilitate the attachment of a cord and waist belt device and may allow apparatus 100 to be used as a weight during dragging exercises.

The above description of the present disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope of the application and uses of the described embodiments. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented herein. It should be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the field, that the disclosed embodiments are exemplary and not exhaustive of all possible embodiments. It will thus be appreciated that various additions, substitutions and modifications may be made to the above described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure should be construed in reference to the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus comprising: a plurality of panels adhered together to form an interior compartment; a plurality of shoulder straps configured to be adjustable through the use of a fastener; a strap compartment; and a plurality of handles; wherein the interior compartment includes a plurality of pouches configured to secure one or more deformable exercise articles having a pliable exterior and capable of being reversibly filled with a particulate material or water.
 2. The adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus of claim 1, wherein the interior compartment includes a removable water bladder.
 3. The adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of attachment members attached to an exterior portion of the adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus.
 4. The adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus of claim 1, wherein a perimeter of one or more of the plurality of panels is reinforced with a reinforcement material.
 5. The adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more cinch straps.
 6. The adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus of claim 1, wherein one or more of the plurality of handles is configured to be removably attached in at least two different positions on an exterior portion of the adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus.
 7. The adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus of claim 1, wherein the interior compartment includes a reinforcement board.
 8. A method of using an adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus comprising: inserting one or more deformable exercise articles into an adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus, the one or more deformable exercise articles having a pliable exterior and filled with a particulate material or water; securing the one or more of the deformable exercise articles in an interior compartment of the adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus; attaching one or more exercise devices to an exterior portion of the adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus; performing an exercise using the one or more exercise devices, wherein the adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus provides resistance to a force imposed by the one or more exercise devices.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the one or more deformable exercise articles are comprised of at least one weighted bag having a generally circular shape.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the one or more exercise devices comprised of at least one exercise device having a length of at least an order of magnitude larger than a diameter of the exercise device.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein the adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus is used as an anchor point.
 12. The method of claim 8, wherein the adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus remains at least partially engaged with the ground throughout the exercise.
 13. The method of claim 8, further comprising stowing a plurality of shoulder straps.
 14. The method of claim 8, wherein securing the plurality of deformable exercise articles includes adjusting a cinch strap.
 15. An adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus comprising: a plurality of panels adhered together to form an interior compartment; a plurality of shoulder straps configured to be adjustable through the use of a fastener; a strap compartment; a plurality of handles; and one or more deformable exercise articles having a pliable exterior and capable of being reversibly filled with a particulate material or water, wherein the interior compartment includes a plurality of pouches configured to secure the plurality of deformable exercise articles.
 16. The adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus of claim 15, wherein the fasteners are placed near the bottom of one of the plurality of panels.
 17. The adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a plurality of attachment members attached to an exterior portion of the adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus.
 18. The adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus of claim 15, wherein a perimeter of one or more of the plurality of panels is reinforced with a reinforcement material.
 19. The adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus of claim 15, further comprising one or more cinch straps.
 20. The adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus of claim 15, wherein one or more of the plurality of handles is configured to be removably attached in at least two different positions on an exterior portion of the adjustable weighted multifunction fitness apparatus. 